ADT

Art and Design

Visual communication is at the core of the Art curriculum, a transferable skill that enriches all our lives. The Art Department is committed in its pursuit of excellence in the field of art and design.

At Nobel we provide a stimulating environment for a variety of exciting and creative experiences. Art is planned and delivered to support the development of this visual language and ensures continuity and progression throughout all stages of the curriculum.

We aim to increase student confidence and give them a greater understanding of themselves. We recognise that each student is an individual and aim to nurture creativity in a fun and engaging way so that all our students can improve their skills and enjoy some measure of success in art and design.

We embrace cultural diversity and our students are encouraged to consider the world around them and develop their work in an individual way based on their own experiences of it. We promote experimental attitudes and approaches through a wide range of practical skills.

At Nobel we are fortunate to be able to offer our students three areas of specialism including general art and design, graphic communication and textiles, all up to A level. These are supported by facilities including three purpose built art rooms, a suit of Apple Mac computers and a specialist textile studio.

Assessment of the work at all stages is based on the student’s creative journey. This journey is richly supported by extra-curricular activities including trips, visiting artists, competitions, community projects.

Student achievement at GCSE and A Level is celebrated by the whole school community with a final exhibition which show cases their emerging talent.

We are proud that our art students, on leaving, are in a strong position to pursue a career in the visual arts, many at prestigious art schools.

Art Graphics

Art Textiles

KS3 Training Group Success Criteria

Design and Technology

The curriculum is underpinned by some core processes: pupils learn to develop, plan and communicate ideas; to work with tools, equipment, materials and components to produce quality products; and to evaluate processes and products. Alongside this creative work, pupils develop their knowledge and understanding of materials, components, systems and control and structures.

Our aim is for students to learn problem solving skills through designing and making quality products, which are relevant to them. Students will use a wide range of modern materials, equipment and processes and show creativity and innovation in order to achieve their best. In KS3 all students are given the opportunity to work with a variety of materials. This is achieved by students following a modular course, with each of the different material areas taught by a specialist teacher. From Years 7-9 students will work in wood, metal, plastics, electronics, graphics, CAD CAM and Food technology.

At KS4 students can choose a design and technology subject at GCSE level from the following suite of courses: graphic products, resistant materials, food technology and Engineering and a BTEC in Engineering.

Graphic products explore a range of media including modern materials, gaining a working knowledge of how they can be used to communicate design ideas. Students learn how to plan and manage project work ensuring that tasks are completed to a high standard and all design thinking is communicated clearly.

Resistant materials technology calls for students to identify and solve problems using woods, plastics, metals and smart materials as well as some other materials. Students look for needs and opportunities, and respond to them by developing a range of ideas, then making quality products.

GCSE in engineering and BTEC engineering introduces student to the process of engineering in the market place, with particular reference to design and the construction of design briefs in a range of business and industrial contexts. Both these courses involve students in designing and practical making in a range of materials.

As well as working in the areas indicated, students are also encouraged to use ICT to assist them in their project work. Students follow the Design Process which involves them identifying problems, generating ideas, planning and making and evaluating. They use this problem solving approach through the course, working both independently and cooperatively within groups. Through each DT module, students are assessed in line with the National Curriculum Standards using the attainment target for Design and Technology.

In sixth form product design students are given the opportunity to develop their creative, technical and practical skills through a series of product investigation, design and manufacturing activities, culminating in a practical product that they design and make.

Food technology students learn how to work with a wide range of food materials developing many new skills and techniques. They work with a range of tools related to the processing of food and are taught an understanding of different food commodities including new and smart materials. Food product design, research skills, development and market influences are explored and students are taught how to analyse and evaluate food products. Students are encouraged to adapt and develop their ideas and make informed choices when resolving design dilemmas.
Food technology provides you with the opportunity to study nutrition as well as a design and make activity. You will develop your knowledge of food science and a range of food materials and components used in the making of food products. You will also further develop your knowledge and practical skills as you develop your design work alongside an understanding of food science, processes and commercial food manufacture.

Design and Technology is about making things that people want and that work well. Creating these things is, hugely exciting: it is an inventive, fun activity